Eagle County Democrats seek replacement for Stavney

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EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado - The search to replace Eagle County Commissioner Jon Stavney has just begun, but one Eagle resident has already made public his interest in the job.

Paul Witt, a former member of the Eagle Town Board and owner of a one-man communications and public relations company, said this week he will submit an application for the job.

Stavney, elected to a second term as commissioner in 2012, announced his resignation recently, after being hired as the new town manager for the town of Eagle. Stavney's resignation from the county job will be effective July 1.

Between now and then, the county's Democratic Party will pick Stavney's replacement, and is seeking applications from people interested in the job.

Carole Onderdonk, vice chairwoman of the county Democrats, said the party won't reveal who's submitted the paperwork to be considered for the job until after the application deadline last month.

"We've had a lot of calls," Onderdonk said. "We'll see who follows through and applies."

The application process is fairly extensive, requiring information including a resume, references, and, for the finalists, a background check.

Witt said he hasn't heard much about other possible applicants, but said he'd heard rumblings that Edwards resident Rohn Robbins might also seek the job.

Robbins said "it's too soon" for him to announce whether or not he'll try to replace Stavney.

Eagle Mayor Yuri Kostick said he might also be interested in applying, but said he wants to talk to the party's vacancy committee before making a decision whether to go through the entire process.

Whoever is appointed to fill Stavney's seat has the potential to remain in office a long time - if county voters are willing. The person appointed to the job will have to run for election in 2014 to complete a term that would run until 2016. If elected, that person would be able to serve two full terms, for a total of 11 years in office.